Jayvee Fernandez | Pinoy Tech, Diving, Gadgetshttp://abuggedlife.com
Technology | Publishing | Games | New Media | PhilippinesSat, 28 Mar 2015 23:11:26 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuffhttps://feedburner.google.comOn ABL’s Responsive Designhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuff/~3/yY8mWwIDF68/
http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/29/on-abls-responsive-design/#commentsSat, 28 Mar 2015 23:07:44 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12305About two years ago, I felt the urge this blog needed a design overhaul. First and foremost, responsive design played a huge factor in the call to upgrade as many of the existing WordPress plugins didn’t make the site too appealing on mobile. I called in the guys from PixelKit to do an overhaul. Responsive design wasn’t the only focus though as I wanted the option to apply a different template to posts that were deemed “less news more features.” Here are some examples:

These featured templates had pull-out quotes similar to magazines and bigger photos which extended to both ends of the screen. The top feature image also had parallax scrolling to give the header a 3D-effect. On mobile, the main difference between the news and feature posts was the size of photos and location of the title.

In retrospect — responsive design, HTML5, parallax scrolling (and many more!) were huge deal-makers in the past but can be found in almost any template or blog service today. I contribute a lot to a new passion project called The DorkSide and we’re using SquareSpace for the layout. Mobile and responsive design features work like a charm. Check it out!

]]>http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/29/on-abls-responsive-design/feed/0http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/29/on-abls-responsive-design/Oppo R5 Video Review: Chop vegetables, run it over a carhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuff/~3/RrG2htGnCHI/
http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/13/oppo-r5-video-review-chop-vegetables-run-it-over-a-car/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2015 23:46:15 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12299In this Manila Bulletin TechNews special, we take a look at the toughness that is the Oppo R5. It’s not just a phone =- it’s practically a kitchen appliance. Specs include a 5.2″ AMOLED screen built with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 16MB of internal memory and a 1.5GHz Octacore Snapdragon processor.

For the full video, click on the link below.

]]>http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/13/oppo-r5-video-review-chop-vegetables-run-it-over-a-car/feed/0http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/13/oppo-r5-video-review-chop-vegetables-run-it-over-a-car/How to Choose Safe Energy Pillshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuff/~3/zHUzj9JhWoE/
http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/13/how-to-choose-safe-energy-pills/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2015 23:38:20 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12296If you prefer to get your energy in pill form rather than in a drink, you might be considering energy pills. You’ll want to talk with your doctor before you start taking pills to ensure they’ll actually help you and that you won’t be throwing your money away. Properly research the long-term and short-term effects of any pills you’re thinking of taking.

Sit Down With Your Doctor
By speaking with your doctor you may learn that the fatigue you’re feeling is being caused by a lack of iron, not getting enough exercise, dehydration or some other underlying medical condition. Rather than taking energy pills, you may be better off making lifestyle changes and taking certain supplements.

Improper Stimulation
One of the biggest concerns with energy pills is that they sometimes contain dangerous stimulants that can lead to heart complications, increased blood pressure and even death. Specifically, you’ll want to stay away from any pills that contain ephedrine and high amounts of caffeine. While effective in giving you energy, strong stimulants can lead to you having to take additional pills and other types of medication to keep your long-term health in check.

After you start taking energy pills, keep your doctor apprised of how you feel and if your energy levels increase, decrease or remain the same. Rather than energy pills, it may be a specific type of medication that you need to take in order to accurately address your low energy.

]]>http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/13/how-to-choose-safe-energy-pills/feed/0http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/13/how-to-choose-safe-energy-pills/The Legendary Elton John To Perform At Westpac Stadium In Wellington New Zealandhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuff/~3/5IKyjFmHtPo/
http://abuggedlife.com/2015/03/09/the-legendary-elton-john-to-perform-at-westpac-stadium-in-wellington-new-zealand/#commentsMon, 09 Mar 2015 13:55:23 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12293If you are going to be in the area of Wellington, New Zealand on November 21, 2015 and you are a fan of Elton John you will be in for a treat. The legendary Sir Elton John will be performing a live concert at 8:00 PM at the Westpac Stadium.

About Elton John
Sir Elton John may be almost sixty-eight years old but you would never know it to see him live in concert. He is just an energetic now as her was back in the 1960s when he originally started to write and perform. Currently he is a singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, record producer and even the occasional actor. He is known as one of the best selling music artists in the world. His accomplishments include fifty songs that have made it to the Top 40 hits list, including the song that many know as Candle In The Wind, which sold over thirty three million copies worldwide. Other achievements he has received as six Grammy Awards and Five Brit Awards. In the year 1994 he was indicted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The list of accomplishments and achievements can go on and on.

Elton John To Perform At Westpac Stadium
Wellington, New Zealand is proud to host the Elton John concert on November 21, 2015. If you are a fan of this marvelous and talented man and you want to enjoy an evening of great hit songs, outstanding piano skills and a smooth and beautiful voice that has sold millions of records you will want to get your tickets before they sell out and tickets are selling at a remarkably fast pace.

About Westpac StadiumWestpac Stadium is also known as Wellington Regional Stadium and is located in Wellington, New Zealand. Some people may even refer to the stadium as The Cake Tin because of the shape and silver colored external walls. The stadium is very large due to the fact that it was built to be able to hold the One Day International cricket matches, which draw very large crowds. Many concerts are being held at the stadium because of the large capacity capability. The venue has the capability to hold 34,500 people when completely full.

The stadium is very easy to get to from just about anywhere in the city and with many hotels and restaurants near by. It is easily accessible from the trains and the walk to the stadium has a great view of the water. Once you get into the stadium you will find that it is easy to navigate.

Conclusion
If you wish to see one of the best concerts of your life it is recommended that you try your best to get tickets to see Elton John in Wellington, New Zealand at the Westpac Stadium. You will definitely not be disappointed.

Years without electricity have practically made residents of Ilin Island in Occidental Mindoro a recluse. But light came at the end of the tunnel and the world was never as bright as it was before the eyes that finally see light. Meet Nancy Economou of Watts of Love, the moving force behind Ilin Island’s enlightening moment

]]>http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/25/manila-bulletin-advocacy-in-occidental-mindoro-watts-of-love-partnership/feed/0http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/25/manila-bulletin-advocacy-in-occidental-mindoro-watts-of-love-partnership/The Dorkside: 3 Lifehacks I Learned as a Gamer and a New Parenthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuff/~3/2Otv7vKS-0Y/
http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/25/the-dorkside-3-lifehacks-i-learned-as-a-gamer-and-a-new-parent/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 03:47:09 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12286This is an excerpt of a piece I wrote for a new site I contribute to called The Dorkside with fellow dorks Jessica Mendoza, Gino Quillamor and Chico Garcia.

Now that my son is 2, I look back to the first few days when he was a newborn and how he completely changed my life as a gamer. You’ve probably heard the chides that being a dad with a newborn gives you a future Player 2. That may be true – but that future is far, far ahead. I am by no means a casual gamer — video games were my security blanket, my virtual therapist and the one constant hobby that has never changed, even now at 34. But parenting. Ah, there’s the rub. Here’s how my hobby changed.

I make sure there’s a pause button

If the game I’m playing is heavy on story and cut scenes (Telltale’s The Walking Dead or The Last of Us come to mind) I avoid playing these sorts even when my son is taking a nap. Imagine him waking up crying, looking for milk and an important plot piece was being revealed in a 10 minute cut scene that I can’t skip. There you go. When I was in the vicinity of my newborn son, I could only play games that could be paused at any time (the PS Vita comes to mind because the main system button can pause any game at any time) or games that didn’t need me to be fully engaged: turn based strategy games like XCom: Enemy Within, Endless Legend and Civilization V do come to mind as staples. So yeah – new dads. Being a parent doesn’t mean you should give up your hobbies. Your hobbies may just take other forms. Cradling my son to sleep on my shoulder still allowed me room to play Warhammer Quest on the iPhone with my other hand. It’s a skill. You’ll get there.

]]>http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/25/the-dorkside-3-lifehacks-i-learned-as-a-gamer-and-a-new-parent/feed/0http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/25/the-dorkside-3-lifehacks-i-learned-as-a-gamer-and-a-new-parent/Choosing the Right Tools to Take Care of Businesshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuff/~3/CfpWCAPSxCw/
http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/23/choosing-the-right-tools-to-take-care-of-business/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 08:45:46 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12283Small businesses are on the rise, both in and out of the home. These days, it seems like everyone has a great idea for a startup, and with the global economy not just stabilizing but recovering, there’s usually plenty of help out there to make those ideas reality. According to Entrepreneur.com, starting a small or home based business is possible for anyone as long as they’re willing to take some risks and put in some serious work—but while many aspiring sole proprietors know what they want to do and are ready to do the work to get there, finding the tools to get them there is another story entirely.

Small Businesses Start Small
All too often small businesses use their loans and grants to invest in expensive, complex equipment that they believe will make getting it easier to get their business off the ground. The old saying that you get what you pay for may ring true most of the time, but as a small business it’s important to start at scale that isn’t just feasible at the present moment, but sustainable over a long period of time. Choosing the right tools from the outside is the key to ensuring continued sustainability with scalability; the process has much less to do with buying technology featuring all the best and newest features, and far more to do with figuring out exactly what features a business model needs to get started.

At the beginning, it’s important to make every penny count, so establish what you, as an entrepreneur, require to operate your business smoothly. You may be surprised by the kind of tech and tools that really work best with your business model; a tablet or eReader may be more than sufficient for your business needs as a startup thanks to the number of apps, features and functions these devices offer. These mobile computers are more lightweight than a laptop, offer more functionality than a smartphone according to Business Bee, allow small business owners to be more accessible to their customers, increasing satisfaction and engagement.

Key Features for Busy Startups

While most tablets and eReaders offer the majority of features needed to help a small business succeed from anywhere you can find a Wi-Fi connection, looking into how those features and functions work together is really what makes a difference toward choosing the best device for a particular business model.

A few helpful features to look for in any tablet or eReader meant for business applications:

• Don’t go below 7 inches for screen size; this means avoid “phablets” like the iPhone 6 as your default device for small business management. However, while working too small is difficult, going up to laptop proportions seriously limits your mobility. Business News Daily recommends keeping it in the 7-inch to 8-inch range.
• Get a device that multi-tasks well, with easy switching between apps. The new Samsung NOOK offers a split-screen function to run two apps side by side, making it a great option for the busiest of small business owners.
• Make sure your device allows for easy note-taking—nobody wants to sift through a hundred scratch pads to find the name of that one customer or vendor. This is one place that eReader hybrids tend to work slightly better than a standard tablets, so keep an eye out for helpful apps.
• Inter-device compatibility is extremely important; make sure that your tablet, your computer and your phone can all communicate. Android operating systems offer greater compatibility between economic, small business friendly devices, so keep that in mind when you shop.

Your specific business model may require particular features not listed here, so make sure you do all the research before you buy a new device.

Getting the Right Tools
Once you know what you need out of a device, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. Tools like Samsung’s new NOOK offer a streamlined and still highly compatible experience, at a price that even the smallest startup can afford; while a full-on tablet will often seem like the better option, the streamlined user interface and minimal stock apps included in eReader tablet hybrids make them a better choice for many small businesses.

Seeing the goal is always the easy part. When it comes to starting a business, finding the right tools to help you reach that goal is the single most important step you can take, so don’t take it lightly. Do the research and get exactly what you need.

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http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/23/3-travel-life-hacks-to-make-your-next-holiday-a-breeze/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 08:39:26 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12280Heading off on holiday should be a pleasure rather than a pain. When you’ve worked your fingers to the bone for scant reward and your tyrannical boss has made your life a misery, jetting off to sunnier climes is your way of reclaiming what’s left of your sanity.

Rather than worrying about what’s happening in the office, your only concern is where the next cocktail is coming from and what factor of sun cream to use on your Vitamin D starved frame. In between digging out your passport and packing your suitcase, however, a jaunt abroad regularly means a Boeing 737 sized panic attack in case you overlook an important travel document.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With our three handy life hacks, make your next holiday a breeze and ensure you come back with your batteries charged and ready to face whatever life throws at you.

Pre-Book Airport Parking
In a bid to prevent passing out with stress before your holiday has even begun, why not save yourself time and hassle by pre-booking your airport parking? Whether you’re flying from Luton or Liverpool, driving to the terminal and leaving your motor with a specialist firm couldn’t be easier.

At the Gatwick meet and greet, for example, a professional driver will collect your car, which means you avoid wasting time searching the monolithic airport for a parking space that may or may not exist. And when you return? Your car is delivered back to where you dropped it off. Simple.

Copy Your Documents
When you’re in a rush to get to the airport, or perhaps you’re just a scatterbrain, misplacing your passport or itinerary is a real risk. As a result, use your smartphone’s camera to record your particulars in case of loss or theft. Although this won’t help you immediately if you do happen to lose your passport, it’ll give you all the information you need to obtain a replacement as quickly as possible – perhaps even before the next flight is due to take off.

Use Local ATMs
If you’ve decided against taking Travellers Cheques and didn’t convert cash before you left, rather than get ripped off at the airport’s money convertors (most make up their own fees and the exchange rates are generally poor), use ATMs to withdraw the local currency.

Of course, check with your bank before you go and let them know you’ll be using your card abroad. Why? Because the last thing you need in a foreign country is for your card to be blocked and to be left stranded without easy access to your holiday funds.
What do you think?

Do you have any travel hacks you’d like to share with our readers? Please let us know by leaving a comment below – we’d love to hear from you.

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http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/11/3-ingenious-gadgets-every-budding-spy-must-have/#commentsWed, 11 Feb 2015 02:15:57 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12276If you’ve ever watched James Bond, you’ll know that he’d be nothing without his trusty gadgets. Take away his revolving licence plates, underwater jet packs and digital binoculars, and 007 is just another bumbling Englishman with a penchant for expensive suits and shaken Martinis. Yep, by now Bond would have been dispatched by an evil tyrant’s obedient henchman, with some cackling despot ready to take over the world quicker than you can say tomorrow never dies.

It would also mean Bond failed to disable the helicopter’s remote control system in For Your Eyes Only, and Blofeld would never have met his maker by plunging into that unforgiving chimney stack. It’s unthinkable, isn’t it? But don’t worry, Bond fans, if our favorite secret agent’s licence to kill is ever taken away, you can step into the void by purchasing some, none or all of the ingenious spy gadgets listed below …

Covert Spy Cameras
Any spy worth his or her salt must be able to infiltrate their enemy’s HQ without being spotted, as well as capturing the malevolent oppressor’s shifty intentions on tape – which means covert spy cameras should be the first addition to your secret agent armory.

Far from sticking out like a sore thumb, however, modern spy cameras are cleverly concealed inside a variety of everyday items. These include reading glasses, a ballpoint pen, a watch, and even a necktie, all designed to prevent your adversary from smelling the proverbial rat.

Spy Watches
Gone are the days of your watch performing a solitary function – modern timepieces for the discerning spy are designed to offer a whole host of handy features, guaranteed to get you out of a jam en route to saving the world.
Look around and you’ll find spy watches with built-in GPS, torches and even walkie-talkies. Admittedly, you may inadvertently maim an innocent passerby with your watch-cum-rocket-launcher, but it’s all in the line of duty, my budding bond.

Body Armour
As a secret agent running around the globe, plotting the downfall of wicked dictators, it’s inevitable you may have some overprotective henchmen trying to harm you – so it’s vital you stock up on body armour to keep the risk of serious harm down.
We all know your gadgets are designed to get you out of sticky situations, but if they let you down, having some extra protection is well advised. Whether it’s a ballistic waistcoat or lightweight stab vest, not preparing for the worst is preparing to fail.

Now it’s your turn …

Have you ever thought about giving up the 9-5 for a career as a spy? What gadgets would you like to see added to this list? Please let us know by leaving a comment below – we’d love to hear from you.

]]>http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/11/3-ingenious-gadgets-every-budding-spy-must-have/feed/0http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/11/3-ingenious-gadgets-every-budding-spy-must-have/Considerations When Looking at Video Conferencing Serviceshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ABuggedLifeThePseudoPersonalBlogAboutBloggingTechnologyAndStuff/~3/zra7RKoXTvo/
http://abuggedlife.com/2015/02/05/considerations-when-looking-at-video-conferencing-services/#commentsThu, 05 Feb 2015 11:55:43 +0000http://abuggedlife.com/?p=12270Video conferencing offers so much, you would be remiss if you didn’t look into one of the service options. Inc reports that video conferencing offers benefits for both the emotional and psychological fulfillment of employees as well as the time and money spent by the business. However, there are numerous programs out there from the ubiquitous Skype to the quality video conferencing platform by Blue Jeans. Trying to find the right one for you depends on your particular needs. Here are some considerations you will need to bear in mind.

In Office Communication Substitute
Fast Company reports that an estimated 80 percent of emails are time wasters. They can be quick, but they can also disrupt focus. The added problem is that as soon as an employee accesses his email, he runs the risk of being sidetracked by other interesting messages. Video conferencing services can come with inset IM settings to allow employees to chat as needed or make a face to face call. For quick questions, the IM is perfect for a fast response, and for longer more in depth conversations, the face to face video conference all is adept.

You’ll want to make sure that the systems you have can handle the new program. Some of the older programs may be too bulky if they have not been sufficiently updated. Most providers can give you an overview, but if you plan on a fair amount of IM interaction, look for ones that mention mobile communication. Mobile devices tend to have lower power capabilities and faster streaming needs than the average desktop. So a platform that works well on mobile devices is often an indication that the overall program has been streamlined and will not be too bulky.

The Need for Playback or Recording
One of the other advantages of video conferencing is that you can more easily record and playback sessions. Depending on your state, you may need to get permission for this. However, if you are planning to record, you should use a service that has recording capabilities. Trying to introduce an external recording device or application will generally result in a lesser quality video.

The Need for Additional Equipment
Even if you’re using a basic cloud video conferencing service, you will probably need some additional equipment. Corporate Tech Decisions recommends ensuring that the microphones as well as the high definition capacities are in line with what your business requires. Microphones though are particularly important as the overall quality is essential to a good conversation. Look to the placement of the microphone as well as the room you will be having the conversation in. Otherwise, you run the risk of not being heard clearly.

The Kind of Device Used for Communication
As mentioned before, mobile devices have specific needs when it comes to video conferencing. However, other devices such as tablets, desktops, and laptops all have variations as well. The different endpoints require various hardware capabilities. Some programs like Blue Jeans are intended to work across platforms, and they advertise themselves as such.

Business Meetings
Business meetings are one of the prime reasons many look to video conferencing. You can use it to save time on commutes and cut costs on travel expenses. However, when it comes to your business meetings, you do need to know what sort of capacity you mean. Most providers have a limit on the number of participants able to partake in a meeting. All can handle at least two members. But if you have more than eight members in your meeting, you will need to find a service that specifically caters to this sort of multi part conversation.

Additional Collaborative Technologies
Many of the video conferencing services offer total solution packages that permit additional actions such as scheduling emails, reminders, collaborative lists, and other similar things. There’s a wide variety in terms of what they can provide, and the benefit of using it within the video conferencing service is that it will generally run along at a faster rate and not cause any problems within the network. It may help to consider when you will use video conferencing, though if you often have projects desktop and screen sharing as well as whiteboarding are likely to be useful features.
Video conferencing isn’t a service to take lightly. You will find many options out there, and you would be wise to take advantage of them. It’s important that you consider the alternatives and find one that meets both your current and your anticipated needs. You need to consider whether you plan for this to be an in office communication substitute or just an occasional program. You will also need to know whether you will require playback or recording features as well as what additional tech will be needed to make it work. You should also know the primary devices that will be used for the communications and how many people are likely to be involved as well as what collaborative technologies might be useful. By bearing these things in mind, you will find the service package most likely to benefit you and your business.